Lovely park in Bellingham. Well maintained 2.6 mile mostly flat trail loops around the lake, which was perfect for a leisurely dog walk with our 14 year old Aussie and 10 year old cocker spaniel. I counted three bathrooms and several different types of areas with different things to do - tennis, playground, off leash dog park, lots of picnic areas, kayak/paddle board lunch. We went in early March - I'm sure it gets packed in the summer but even then seems like there is plenty of surface area to spread out! read more

Lake Padden Park - Lake Padden on a sunny March day. - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I've played Lake Padden Golf Course many times and find it fun and challenging each time I tee it. It is actually where I played my first round of golf as a 10-year-old kid. OK, enough nostalgia. Lake Padden is conveniently located just south of downtown Bellingham, consequently it can get busy at times. The layout is fun as doglegs, elevation changes, and forest off the fairways command your focus. The greens are on the large side and can get rolling fast! Different tees make it playable for all length hitters, and the layout will force a variety of shots and use of most clubs in your bag. A full driving range, large putting green, pro shop and restaurant are also available. If you can avoid the busiest times, Lake Padden is worth a play. read more

Lake Padden Park - Trees & water are part of the Lake Padden experience! - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Pace of play mid morning was 5 hours. Group in front would not let us pass. Marshal????? Course in good shape but will be a while before we come back. Too slow. read more

Phil Gaggero, the general manager of the course, banned us (some kids) from the course, because we violated the "no more than four players per group" rule. We had 2 separate groups, that we payed for separately of groups of 3 and 4. We had been playing behind an exceptionally slow group of adult golfers, causing our pace to slow significantly. In an effort to keep the people behind us from waiting and avoid further backup, we grouped up temporarily, playing with more than four just to stay in rhythm. But instead of addressing the pace-of-play issue with the slow adult group ahead, Gaggero targeted us, banning us from the course entirely. I strongly believe the move was made not as an effort to uphold rules, but as a blatant money grab. Adult golfers, after all, pay higher green fees, and generate more revenue overall. Phil Gagerro did not directly kick us off, but instead had the club house worker do it for him. Xander, the club house worker, was very nice and respectful and told us to call Phil's public phone number. So we did, and we respectfully asked for an explanation and we explained our senario. Phil responded very upset and was shocked and confused that we called his number (It was a public number on the website that was kindly directed to us by Xander). Phil also confessed that he aims to discontinue the youth on course program, saying for "people like you". Although I have never seen or spoken to Phil before our phone call, I was extremely respectful and he responded with anger. We feel as though because of Phil, the golf course and the youth on course program has become less about fostering love for the game and more about squeezing dollars from the most lucrative customers. read more

My family of 4 really enjoyed our walk around Lake Padden, it took us about an hour. It's a 2.6 mile loop around the lake. You can find more trail details on the AllTrails app under Lake Padden Singletrack. Well maintained trail with gorgeous views, there is several great fishing spots and benches to sit and rest all around the lake. Definitely recommend exploring Lake Padden Park when in the area. read more

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Lake Padden is one of the most popular spots in Bellingham for families, joggers, dog walkers and bikers. Entering the first gate, you will find some small pocket beaches and a few tennis courts. The second gate further down the road houses a well kept golf course with good weekday and off season deals, a dog park, baseball diamond, playground and lake access. The loop around the lake is about 2.5 miles with small elevation changes, and lovely views of the water. The trail is heavily trafficked by runners and bikers so there is a total leash policy for dogs. If your pups are looking to run free though, stop by the dog park and enjoy the company of other pups and owners. Lake Padden does allow sport fishing, although you would want to check with Fish&Game to make sure no licensing is required first. read more

This is a wonderful little gem within a very short driving distance from town. Even on busy summer weekends, I didn't have trouble finding parking, but I always came late in the day since the summer sun doesn't set until around 9pm. If you come earlier in the day, parking might be an issue. I surmise this based on the number of cars parked along the main highway just outside the park. On the plus side, parking is free and so is the park! There is a dirt and gravel trail that loops along the shore of the lake. It is mostly flat and quite easy to walk or run. There are people on all parts of the trail, so I felt safe walking alone, but I never felt like it was too crowded to enjoy. Along the way, you will see small cut outs that give you access to the water. People can be found swimming, fishing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding (SUP). On the shore, there are occasional grassy fields where people will be sunbathing and enjoying BBQ with friends and family. There is a softball field and even a section of trail offshoot from the main loop that allows dogs off leash. Restroom facilities can be found in at least two different areas. Park benches are sporadically placed throughout the trail so you can relax and enjoy the lake views. read more

Lake Padden Park - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Love this park with good walkable trails. Spent 2 hrs on the trail walking around the lake. Enjoyed it very much. Great place since they have nice places to have a picnic with grills to use. Nice playground for kids, dog area for your fur friends. Trail around lake is just enough to walk without getting tired. read more

Lake Padden Park - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

One of the best in Bellingham! I have visited several times for walking, picnics, parties in their spacious pavilions. And, an epic Yelp event with fellow foodie friends on a beautiful evening, featuring a gourmet hot dog bar! Was that just a run-on sentence? Feels like one, anywhoooo my editor has the day off :-) If you come, make a day of it as there is plenty to see and do. You'll find families, pets, BBQ pits, picnic tables, grassy areas to spread a blanket and relax by yourself or meet friends. Plentiful walking and hiking trails here as well for all levels. Enjoy this beautiful park, swim at your own risk though, no life guards on duty. read more

Lake Padden Park - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Lake Padden is my "go-to" place for a trail run or walk. It's a 2.6 mile loop around the lake, and always enjoy it here. The park offers so much for families and people of every age from; tennis courts, basketball courts, off-leash dog park area, bathrooms and showers, picnic areas, benches around the park for breaks to take in the view, and are almost always greeted by the friendly ducks asking for snacks. Many people enjoy fishing, kayaking, floating or sunbathing and is a popular place when the sun shows itself! I also love the driving range and golf course. It's just a perfect setting and a great place close by to enjoy! read more

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Why doesn't Lake Padden Golf have its own Yelp page? No clue. I attempted to create one with pictures from the golf course and everything but Yelp decided to mesh it back under Lake Padden Park. So folks, this review is on Lake Padden GOLF only. I got to play Lake Padden Golf Course on 07/19/17 around 2pm for twilight. The weekday twilight green fee was $26.68. Seeing that I just played a round earlier that morning elsewhere and this would be the second round of golf within the same day, I decided to get the 18 holes (power) cart. Let's just say, it costs more to rent one of these suckers as compared to just walking/playing the course; $31.28. That's $15.64 per person for two riders. The golf course itself is quite nice and scenic especially for a Southern Californian boy like myself. 150+ ft high trees, endless rows of towering thick trees, you just get the feeling that you are playing in Smokey the Bear's backyard. The conditions of the golf course was near perfect and we did have a nice and sunny day to enjoy. I hope you are decent with your irons because hitting into the woods will not be fun. The trees are dense, dark, and you'll have this random urge that an orc is lurking behind one of them trees. We did see a nice deer frolicking alongside us on one of the holes. Being able to hit long with your clubs is an advantage. However, it will do you no good if you can't control your shots. You can get away with a decent score if you hit it short and straight here. This is what I meant when I said being good with your irons. I found myself teeing off more with my long irons than the "big stick." The course itself doesn't run too long even playing from the tips. I suggest playing it sweet and safe even as boring as that may sound. My only quarrel with Lake Padden Golf course? #1 the rental fee for the driving cart for 18 holes and second, you NEVER see the actual Lake Padden Lake. I guess it's a good thing because that prevents any errant shots towards the public hanging about the lake area. All in all, it was a nice scenic course with more than enough trees to look at. Hearing the cracking sound of a golf ball smacking into bark is quite common here. Just think of it as a shield wall of some sort. Happy hacking and don't forget to fix your divots! read more

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Who doesn't like this spot ....??!! It's the reason I moved to the Ham! Great park with lots of trails and dog friendly areas along with off leash - my favorite spot for sure! read more

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Great off leash trail that loops back behind the dog park. Great work out for both you and your pup. I haven't had any problems with people or dogs but be warned there are horses early in the morning (my hound-lab mix is scared of horses and is the only time she will bay like a hound) highly recommend this trail. Dog park is rather large and fenced. Also has a separate small dog park attached. Is dirt and grass so be prepared for mud during the rainy months. read more

Lake Padden Park - Padden off leash trail - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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I can't get enough of this park, and can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet! There's so much to love about this place, a place to take your dogs, whether it's a leashed walk or the off leash area, a place to boat or kayak, or just float around in the water and have a bbq. I love the atmosphere here during the summer, so many people having a great time. We have come for just a walk, to pick blackberries, go for a run around the lake, swim, or have a picnic. The place really has something for everyone. There's baseball fields and great covered areas to rent. There's a great playground for kids and basketball and tennis courts. I love the variety of running surfaces, from gravel and sun on one side to dirt and shade on the other. There are tons of facilities and lots of parking, I don't know anyone who doesn't love this park. read more

Ok. No need to be poetic here. It's a lake. It's nestled in the beautiful hills of Whatcom county. It's surrounded by luscious green forests, trails, and is just a mile from town. In the summer you will find dozens of people enjoying the water; swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and even fishing... but only in early spring. As the previous poster mentioned, there is an off-leash dog trail and a large fenced park for dogs of all kinds. And their owners but only if they behave. There are two bathrooms on opposite sides of the lake, one of which has showers. The large softball fields situated on the east side of the lake are nice but difficult for use due to the fact that the soil surrounding the lake is rather wet and swampy. Hard to slide into home when you get stuck in the mud. Lake Padden is absolutely stunning... running or walking around the 2.7-mile loop is my favorite activity and I'm always finding hidden trails up and around the mountain. read more

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This park is one of the great ones inside Whatcom county. A large lake sits in the center of the park with trails going around it. You can do all water activities, and in the summer, you can rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy the lake but you can also just bring your own and go anytime! I personally enjoy mountain biking around the trails and going for walks around the lake. Also, for mountain bikers, you can find the trail that takes you to Galbraith mountain to ride that instead of trying to find parking at the main trailheads. In the summer there is great hammocking along the shore, with hidden spots away from onlookers. Basically your own private beach, and relaxation center. Watch some ducks or read in the sun. For those with groups, you can reserve a large picnic area, but it is not required for the small lots. All have a grill and lake access. There is also a children's play area and large baseball field and basketball hoops. Come on down! read more

I have moved away from Bellingham, and this is one of the places I miss the most. Great Off leash dog park and dog trails! Great lake for fishing! Beautiful trails for walking/running, (even pushing a stroller) Clean Bathrooms, and a few of them. Super Beautiful anytime of the year. read more

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A truly beautiful park with many hiking trails. I had previously just been around the lake trail. Little did I know that miles of hiking laid beyond. Trail maps are pretty straight forward once you study them a time or two. Some areas present a great elevation change which may not be suited for the inexperienced. Take your time and take frequent rest breaks. There's a really nice fenced in dog area for your four legged friends and their friends to play. Bathroom facilities are available. read more

This is a great off leash Dog Park! It's a beautiful drive through Lake Padden! Minue the upgrades and little construction they are doing on the road going into the park the area is peaceful. If you have kids they can play across the way while you let your dog get his/her energy out in the off leash dog area. They have a large fenced in area for the majority of the dogs as well as a smaller fenced off area for other pups that are a little older or not as interested in playing with the larger dogs. When we first got there, there was just one other pup and when we left I would say there were about 12 or so. There is plenty of space for 20+ dogs in this large dog area. All of the dog owners were very kind and watching over all of the pups to make sure none of them got out of hand. We really enjoyed this park and will be coming back in the near future when we are going through town. read more

Lake Padden Golf course not listed? Played Monday. Nice track, but wet today. Cart path only! Greens were sanded recently, so they played extra slow today! Still I would play it again! Just wish I would have shot better! Shot 101! read more

Lake Padden Park - Hole 1 - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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Place is fantastic. I'm here on business and was looking for a nice, safe, scenic area to exercise. Look no further. 2.6 mike loop was perfect read more

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This was the first golf course I played in Whatcom county when I moved here from California. What an absolutely beautiful place. The course is amazing even during the dead of winter. You will not be disappointed by playing this one. Cheers. read more

One of the best muni golf courses in Western Washington!! read more

Lake Padden Park - Shot a combined 271 - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

First trail I ran since moving here from California. The air is fresh, the view is beautiful and the entire park is well kept/maintained. There's always people fishing and families grilling out. Love this place! read more

Lake Padden Park - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Wow, what gem! This place is nestled next to Samish Way at the foothills of South Hill. It is just perfect for a weekend hike or run around the lake. It is usually not too crowded and parking is easy the find. The people are all super friendly and say hi to you as you run past them. Even the wildlife is happy to see humans as they come and beg for food. A run around the lake is 2.5 miles and would be the most worthy 30 minutes you ever spend. I promise. read more

Love love love love this park/ lake. Went to Bellingham for a dog weekend and this place was perfect. Green grass everywhere and super dog friendly - we didn't meet a single person who didn't stop to say hello to our dogs, whether they were leashed or offleashed. Tons of spots for our dogs to go for a swim, lots of benches and BBQ grills. Overall just very clean, very large and a perfect place to spend your weekend. We just left Lake Padden and literally can't wait to come back! read more

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This is my favorite place to go running. There's a nice 2.6 mile loop around the lake, as well as some other trails in the park, that make for some nice jogging. Some of the trails are more hiking/walking because of bumpy footing. Lake Padden is a great place to bring dogs for walks on the main trail, as well as the off-leash trail area, and the fenced-in off-leash dog park play area. Some people also come here for kayaking, with kids, for BBQs, etc. I haven't really participated in these activities but everyone always seems to enjoy themselves! Most of all, the park is beautiful. Big fir trees everywhere, plus the lake itself. read more

Amazing place to go for a walk and run! I am very active person and I love that I can find there a lot of things to do with my family. like fishing, swimming, kayaking! Amazing place to be! Love it! read more

I love this place. A big, swimmer-friendly lake surrounded by a wide and well maintained 2.6 mile path that has a playground, swimming area, and dog park on one side, this place seems to have it all. On the back side of the lake are dog and horse trails that are a little more "hike" feeling. The walk around the lake is really more of a stroll than a hike. There are also plenty of picnic areas with grills and lots of grass to sprawl out on and read or sunbathe. read more

Yep, a very pretty park that isn't over-crowded yet. Oh to toss in a kayak, bike the trails, and lob some tennis balls. I look forward to exploring the park in warmer weather. read more

Love this park. For dogs it has two fenced-in runs, plus off-leash trails and the lake. A+ read more

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If you are looking for a nice place to run that's not overly crowded- this is your spot. There are clean restrooms, actual playgrounds for kids, nicely groomed trails- what more could you want? You can also swim/kayak in this lake! The smell on the trail is amazing- fresh! I can't wait to run Lake Padden again! read more

A great place for a walk around the lake, a picnic, a paddle, fishing, swimming, and there's a dog park! read more

Lake Padden Park - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Throughout almost the entire span of my time here in Bellingham, Lake Padden has provided week after week, season after season, of beautiful recreation. Located on the South tip of Bellingham, this lake has a main 2.6-mile trail around the water and several offshoots that venture into the woods (for more information on all of the hiking options, I would highly suggest using the book "Hiking Whatcom County" edited by Ken Wilcox). The park hosts an array of activities from hiking and biking on the trail to fishing. Located closer to the playfield there is a leash-free area for dogs. Padden is a relatively shallow lake, so it is partially iced over in the winter and pleasant for swimming in the summer. It takes a certain endurance (possessed by many a Northwest native) to journey off into nature during the rainy months, but I have to say that Padden provides amazing views, vegetation and wildlife no matter what the season. Providing an escape that is only minutes away from Bellingham's city center, this park is something not to be missed. read more

Best golf course in whatcom county. GREAT PRICES. Great staff. Very nice range for practice and golf school on site is a bonus. read more

Lake Padden Park - Lake padden Golf Course. - Golf Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

One of the most beautiful retreats in Bellingham. Sure, you'll be sharing the park with a few people (it's pretty popular and there's always people here) but the trails aren't too packed in the evenings and it is so much fun to look at the gorgeous lake with pine trees, and all the kayakers, fishers, and picnickers are pretty respectful. I am amazed how clean this park is considering its popularity; I never see substantial litter anywhere. The path around the lake is also flat and easy. read more

Plesent little park with a glorious lake in the middle. Great place to go kiaking or fishing, or even set up a nice picnic. Its open leash dog park as well for all you pet owners. I usually go for a nice little run here in the morning but it can be cold at times so I would advice you to bring some (cold weather gear) and some nice running shoes because it can get quite muddy in some parts. Overall Very impressive park and they even have a golf course with it located on the opisite side if you have any intrest as a golfer. read more

Padden is a gorgeous lake with a fabulous trail. It is great for runners due to the varied levels of intensity around the 2.6 mile loop. Several restrooms and picnic tables make this a great place to hang out for the afternoon! read more

Lake padded is awesome . Don't swim in it though. Unless you don't fear the 'itch' and if you must swim , swim far away from the side of the lake where the dog park is! And remember on the other side there is still the remains of two boaters who drowned two years ago they never bothered to pull out. The fishing stinks too btw. read more

Nestled among fragrant evergreen firs just miles away from both the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian border, Lake Padden is quite possibly the most stunningly beautiful park on the West Coast. Because I regrettably have no pictures to accompany this review, I'll instead attempt to describe Lake Padden Park analogously: it looks like David Lynch's mythical town of Twin Peaks and, thanks to its abundance of pine-fresh woodlands, smells incredibly of Christmastime. A 2.6-mile loop encircles the lake, providing hilly detours through forrest terrain, occasional glimpses of icily serene water, and, of course, the most heavenly scent you can imagine. For runners wishing to extend their milage, Lake Padden Park is also home to several other, more rugged trails. If you're a first-time visitor, however, be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings, as it's easy to become lost on these less-travelled paths if you're not careful. Warm, waterproof clothing is an absolute necessity during fall and winter months; despite its proximity to the ocean, one should NOT make the assumption (as I initially did) that this park has Bay Area weather. read more